PASADENA, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and his family joined Union Station Homeless Services at Pasadena’s Dinner in the Park 2022 to distribute prepared Thanksgiving meals to adults and families experiencing homelessness and poverty, senior citizens, and those who are alone at the holidays and unable to afford a holiday meal. For over 50 years, Dinner in the Park has been a beloved holiday tradition run by Union Station Homeless Services to ensure that all who are hungry have access to a Thanksgiving meal.

“As we cherish the times spent around the table with our loved ones this holiday season, it is encouraging to see our communities come together to support those in need during this season and year-round,” said Senator Padilla. “My family was grateful for the opportunity to join Union Station Homeless Services and their volunteers today to distribute meals to those in our community who otherwise may not have had a Thanksgiving meal to enjoy.”

“We were thrilled to welcome Senator Padilla and his family to our annual Thanksgiving Dinner in the Park and grateful to them for volunteering to ensure those less fortunate have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner,” stated Anne Miskey, Union Station Homeless Services CEO.  “We know that hunger and homelessness do not end after the holidays, and we truly appreciate the Senator’s ongoing commitment to helping the most vulnerable. We look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure all people in our communities have healthy food, and a safe and welcoming place to call home.”

Senator Padilla has been a strong advocate for addressing food insecurity and supporting community organizations that provide food to those in need. Last Thanksgiving, Padilla volunteered at a grocery giveaway at Santa Monica College. Padilla introduced the Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act and the Student Food Security Act of 2021. These bicameral pieces of legislation address food insecurity on college campuses by ensuring that basic needs are being met while students pursue their education through grants and increase access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Padilla is also a cosponsor of the Military Hunger Prevention Act and the Military Family Nutrition Access Act, which are bipartisan bills that would combat food insecurity among members of the Armed Forces and their families.

TORRANCE, CA – Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), in partnership with El Camino College, with title sponsor Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, distributed over twelve hundred turkeys and pork roasts, over eight hundred grocery boxes, and one hundred Ralphs gift cards to families in need this holiday season. Senator Bradford continued this tradition, which he started as a member of Gardena’s City Council and then as a State Assemblymember.

“This event is one that I look forward to every year,” said Senator Bradford. “It is my hope that these turkeys will not only feed our community, but act as the centerpiece of families gathering to give thanks for each other’s support, faith and love. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to represent you in our state’s capitol and the Turkey Giveaway is just one way for me to show my appreciation. A big thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers. An event of this scale is only possible because of them.”

This drive-thru event was made a reality by volunteers from Senate District 35 and the surrounding area such as Black Wall Street, Republic Services, AAA, NAHSE SoCal Chapter, Crystal Stairs, LAC Probation Department, and the AMAAD Institute.

Senator Bradford’s Turkey Giveaway was sponsored by many organizations including, Torrance Refinery, Phillips 66, AAA, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Republic Services, Watson Land Company, SA Recycling, Los Angeles World Airports, Stiiizy, the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Golden State Water, SpaceX, AltaMed, the LA Rams, Western States Petroleum Association, PepsiCo, Intuit Dome, King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant, Frogs Organic Bakery, El Camino College’s Warrior Pantry and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

“Thanksgiving is an opportunity to do something that we ought to do more often,” continued Bradford. “It can be difficult to find time to sit and reflect on the things we are most grateful for in life. Thank you again to all the participants that stopped by and to El Camino College for hosting our event this year.”

By Manny Otiko

Former San Bernardino police officer Sherri Adams was recently honored for being the first African American woman on the force. She was honored by the San Bernardino Police Historical Society, which presented her with a plaque. The plaque now hangs in the police department headquarters below a plaque honoring Johnnie Epps, the city’s first Black officer.

Adams, a graduate of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy, joined the police department in 1985. She was highly recruited because of her youthful appearance, which enabled her to work undercover in narcotics in San Bernardino schools, much like in the movie “21 Jump Street.”

“Being the first African American woman at the department was a significant accomplishment,” said Assistant Police Chief Francisco Hernandez during the ceremony that honored Adams.

Adams admitted that being the first African American woman on the force was a tough job. And she had to work hard to prove herself. She recalls she fought hard to be as tough as the men on the force and once fainted when she was on bike duty.

During her years on the force, Adams received several citations, was nominated for Office of Year, and worked in various departments of the police force.

She retired in 2001 and now works with at-risk youth for the county. She’s a mother of three and is married to a retired police officer.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Every year Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) strives to brighten the holiday season for thousands of low-income families throughout San Bernardino County, and this year was no exception. CAPSBC purchased over 4,100 turkeys, 2,000 holiday food boxes, and 15,000 hams to distribute to families in need of food with the total value exceeding $453,000.

To meet the demand for food assistance from families struggling to put food on their tables, CAPSBC hosted two large scale Annual Turkey Giveaway events in San Bernardino and Joshua Tree. The San Bernardino event was held on November 19th in the CAPSBC parking lot where approximately 1,000 low-income families received turkeys and holiday food boxes. The Joshua Tree event was held on November 21st at the Joshua Tree Community Center where 500 families received turkeys and holiday food boxes. Additionally, CAPSBC provided turkeys and holiday food boxes to the following organizations to support their community distribution events: (view site locations online).

“In the richest country in the world, we believe that no one should go without a meal. As a result, CAPSBC has partnered with over 250 organizations throughout San Bernardino County to distribute food. This holiday season, CAPSBC’s Food Bank Program will distribute over $500,000 worth of food,” stated Patricia Nickols-Butler, CAPSBC President and CEO. “Last year, our agency’s Food Bank Program distributed over 16 million pounds of food. The work that we do in this community could not be done without the partnerships that we hold dear to our heart. We are proud to serve our communities and the positive impact we have each year in our fight against hunger. We are grateful that so many families will enjoy a special meal with their loved ones and wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!”

CAPSBC has been serving the communities for over 57 years, and it is the largest provider of food throughout San Bernardino County.

Join San Bernardino Public Libraries for songs, stories and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There are four chances to see Santa this year – one at each city library location:

• Monday, December 5 at 4 p.m. – Villasen?or Branch Library – 525 N. Mt. Vernon Ave.
• Monday, December 5 at 5 p.m. – Feldheym Central Library – 555 W. Sixth St.
• Tuesday, December 6 at 5 p.m. – Inghram Branch Library – 1505 W. Highland Ave.
• Monday, December 12 at 5 p.m. – Rowe Branch Library – 108 E. Marshall Blvd.

For more information call (909) 381-8201.

SAN BERNARDINO — Rafael Trujillo was elected the chair of the San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization during its annual meeting on Nov. 16. Trujillo is from Rialto and represents the Fifth Supervisorial District.

Resa Barillas of Adelanto, who represents the First Supervisorial District, was elected as vice chairman.

Prior to the meeting, incumbent members Trujillo and Patty Holohan joined newly appointed member Robert Bennett in taking the oath of office for four-year terms. Holohan, of Redlands, represents the Third Supervisorial District; Bennett, of Upland, represents the Second District.

The 11-member County Committee deals with proposed changes to school district organization issues, including number of trustees, trustee and school district boundary areas, and unification.

The committee has two representatives for each of the five supervisorial districts in the county, plus one member-at-large.

County Committee members cannot be employed by a school district in any county, community college district or county superintendent office. Monthly meetings of the committee are typically held on the third Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are conducted in accordance with the Brown Act or open meeting law. While a state declared emergency exists for health and safety concerns, the County Committee conducts its meetings virtually as allowed by law.

By Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio 

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Nov. 18, 2022) – Native American Heritage Month marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Native Americans have made to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the nation.

For Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio, Sara BlackCloud, a financial management analyst, assigned to the Resource Management and Acquisitions Directorate, is a representation of the highly professional and diverse civilian workforce within the Department of the Navy.

Born in San Bernardino, Calif., and raised in San Diego, BlackCloud has been a Navy civilian for six years. She first enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2002 and enter service in the U.S. Army in 2008 deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“I wanted to work for the Navy because they offered me an opportunity to expand my DoD knowledge of another branch of service,” said BlackCloud. “All I need now is some Coast Guard experience, and I will have worked for all the services in some form or fashion.”

According to BlackCloud, who was recognized as NAMRU San Antonio’s Civilian of the Year in 2016, before enlisting in the Army, her intention was to join the U.S. Marine Corps.

A Lakota Sioux Native American from the Cut Head Clan, Oglala Tribe of the Spirit Lake Nation in Fort Totten, N.D., BlackCloud is a second generation veteran. Her Grandparents Ivan and Gail BlackCloud served as seamen in the Navy along with another Grandfather Victor Corona. BlackCloud is also Mexican American drawing her roots from Mexico City. She has 22 aunts and uncles, one brother, 39 cousins, and 61 second cousins.

BlackCloud said the Navy has granted her an opportunity to provide a life for her four children while doing something she feels passionate about.

“What we do at NAMRU San Antonio contributes to the lives of others,” said BlackCloud. “We are a well-oiled engine with many integral parts. If one part is off…. we all have a problem. So, it really is about the team. Pulling together for the greater good of everyone here.”

She states that the best part of being at the command are the people and the mission.

“We are a cut above the rest in both areas. I have made tremendous career progression with NAMRU San Antonio, but my proudest accomplishment is the relationships I have created with long time members here,” said BlackCloud. “When things got tough, the solid members at NAMRU helped guide me to greatness. That is something not many places can compete with.”

Two of BlackCloud’s short-term goals are to master the unit’s new financial system, the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (NERP), and earn a college degree.

Her long-term goal is to one day having a small home in some secluded mountain range where she can live in harmony with nature as her ancestors.

“The Navy has broadened my knowledge base and experience that has challenged my way of thinking,” said BlackCloud. “I have had more opportunities to ‘think outside the box’ with this command than any other position in my 20 plus years of work experience.”

Possessing a diverse workforce is important to NAMRU San Antonio as it acknowledges individual strengths of each Sailor, Soldier, civilian and contractor, and the potential they bring to accomplishing the command’s mission.

“It is an absolute proud feeling to say I am a Native American, a woman, and a veteran who still continues to serve her country,” said BlackCloud. “I also love that my children show pride that they have a mother who has served, and I hope it plants a seed in them as well to continue the traditions our grandparents began.”

NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of DoD personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, Md.

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

The signs are everywhere. Signs in the sun, in the moon, in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring [Luke 21:25; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24-26; Revelation 6:12-17]]. Just take a look around you. What do you see? War and the nations gathering for more war. Economic woes, massive inflation, crime on all sides, wickedness everywhere, natural disasters, famine, etc., etc., etc. I tell you; we are living in a time like no other before us, and yet just as in the days of Noah and Lot, people continue to ‘eat and drink’ and live as if nothing is going to happen. But I tell you, great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones. Despite all the talk about things getting better and better, the contrary is true…things are getting worse and worse. There is a great deception taking place in this world that many people, are not seeing. It is an extremely dangerous deception, one that is perpetrated on a massive scale. So much so, that [Mark 13:22] tells us that it will be so strong and so powerful and so convincing that even Christians will be tempted to be deceived by it. Do not be complacent. Be alert! Be ready!  Because now unfolding before our eyes, certain signs hint that the enactment of Antichrist’s plan is imminent. Satan has been planning this world takeover for millenniums now. He has cunningly formulated his plans and will, and at the right moment, he would put them into play. Be alert! Be ready! Because I tell you, the last piece of the End-Time puzzle is being put together.

The question for all who are still unsaved is: Will you be delivered by Christ, or will you be deceived by the Antichrist and his puppets? Who will use all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be save [Matthew 24:23-24; 2Thessalonians 2:9-11].

As I see it, it is only the mercy of God that He has not sent His Son to rapture us out of this world before now. If I were you, and was not prepared for eternity, believe me, I would run to Jesus to get saved, because end time prophecies is fast being fulfilled. Watch the sun and moon and the stars of the Heavens. When they appear to be unduly disturbed and restless, know that the day is not far away. The time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand, even at the door [Matthew 24:33]. You have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment. “The hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try us that dwell upon the earth” [Revelation 3:10] will soon be upon us, and all who are not firmly established upon God’s Word and the righteousness of Jesus Christ will be deceived and overcome. Run to Jesus before it is too late!

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near” [Revelation 1:3, see also 22:7].

PASADENA, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden hosted and participated in thankfulness and holiday celebrations over the weekend. On Saturday, November 19, 2022, Assemblymember Holden held a turkey drive in partnership with Inland Valley Hope Partners, UFCW 1428, and the City of Claremont. Over 200 turkeys were provided to the community.

On Sunday, November 20, 2022, Assemblymember Holden participated in the annual community event, Operation Gobbler in partnership with Friends Indeed and Pasadena Jaycees. Over 400 turkeys were provided to the community.

“With the burden of inflation impacting families across the state, this year more than ever, working with the community to provide holiday meals has made this thanksgiving even more special for my staff, family, and me,” said Assemblymember Holden.

He continues, “As we celebrate this holiday season, let us practice gratitude but also kindness, being kind to our neighbors and our communities.”

ATLANTA, GA— On Saturday, November 19, the film premiere of Manifested Bliss was held at the Atlanta Marquis Marriot, Tower Two, in Downtown Atlanta. The evening was a red carpet event that consisted of press interviews, a cocktail hour where popcorn, drinks, and sweets were served all followed by the screening of the film and a question and answer session led by Bonman’s fellow Clark Atlanta University alumni, the Marvelous Marissa. The next step of the film will be to distribute it to film festivals, host more screenings, and then shop it to different platforms. This will be done after a few minor adjustments are made to the film. There will also be a trilogy series follow up to the film.

For more information and to stay updated on the film, please join the mailing list at www.theawakenedlounge.com.